The American Revolution: Intellectual Influences/Lead up Flashcards
French and Indian War
(Seven Years War)
France and Indian allies versus British. the British win. France gives Britain Canada. The “British” are the American colonists. They want reward! Instead they get more taxes… This is where Washington gets his military experience.
Stamp Act
1765
A tax on paper goods–they needed a stamp. It affected lawyers and printers the most, so they spoke out against the British.
Britain needed money to pay off the war debt. In America there was conflict with the indigenous people, so Britain sent soldiers (who the colonists didn’t want) and the taxes paid for them.
Townshend Duties
1767
It took away the stamp act! Added the Townshend Duties… Tax on TEA, glass, lead, paint, and… paper.
The colonists have no representation in parliament, and are mad.
Boston Massacre
March 5th, 1770
A group of colonists gather outside the customs (tax) house, which is guarded by one soldier. They start throwing things at him. More soldiers are called in. A few colonists are killed. Colonists publish over the top drawings and articles of the atrocity. John Adams (A patriot!) is hired to defend the soldiers (who claim it was out of self defense), who are found not guilty.
Boston Tea Party
Colonists: mad because of taxes, and feel like they can’t trade with Britain. Led by Sam Adams, they dress up as Indians and throw millions of dollar of tea in the sea.
As punishment the British shut down the Boston port, and take away their voice.
Intellectual Influences
- Religion
They see the ideas of Christianity and Judaism as a good moral basis for the government.
Many founders weren’t Christian
The ten commandments
Many colonies founded by religious groups - the ideas of Ancient Greece
Ancient Athens, Aristotle
Ancient Rome (Republic) - English Law
Think it’s a good system
Rights, parliament, constitution - Enlightenment thinkers
Locke, Montesquieu
